Promise Me A Dream

Decades: A Journey of African American Romance #7

by Wayne Jordan

Chandra Williams's dream of becoming an actress carries her from her home on Barbados to the bright lights of Broadway. But it's the 1960s, and her goal of gracing the stage is obstructed by the limited opportunities for black actresses. Driven to help end discrimination and inequality, Chandra joins the Civil Rights movement.

Joel Donovan doesn't understand the need for the Civil Rights movement. His life of privilege has sheltered him from the struggles of the black community. However, he's intrigued by the courage and commitment of the beautiful immigrant from Barbados. Their attraction is immediate and powerful, and Joel is persuaded to join the movement.

When their efforts result in Joel's freedom being challenged, Chandra gives him her unwavering support, but can their growing love survive the racial tensions and conflicts of the times?

148 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 26, 2019

About the author

Wayne Jordan has been reading authors’ bios for years, and often dreamed of having his own Web site as a published Harlequin author. Years passed, and his dream of being published finally became a reality in 2003 when he received the call just two days before Christmas. In November 2005, his debut novel, Capture the Sunrise, was released by BET/Arabesque as part of a special 2-in-1 volume entitled Slow Motion, along with prolific author Devon Vaughn Archer.

Along with his career as a published author, Wayne is a high school teacher of literature, language arts and theatre arts. He’s a graduate of the University of the West Indies, and holds a B.A. in literature in linguistics and an M.A. in applied linguistics.

Wayne lives on the beautiful tropical island of Barbados, which with its white sands and golden sunshine is the perfect setting for the romance stories he loves to create.

Wayne loves reading and his favorite authors are Brenda Jackson, Maureen Smith, Lindsay McKenna, Tami Hoag, William Bernhardt, Nora Roberts, Tami Hoag, Catherine Mann, Delores Fossen, Julie Miller.

A member of NINC, RWA, the Multicultural Chapter. Wayne is represented by Cheryl Ferguson of the Ferguson Literary Agency.

Wayne is the host of the Kimani area of the eharlequin.com community and shares duties with another host in the Simply Series area.

Reviews

[Brenda Larnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story that is part of the Decades Series was well worth the wait. It is compelling, entertaining, and engaging. The hero, Joel Donovan and the heroine, Chandra Williams provide a unique and authentic picture of the sixties and the power of “the dream”. Kudos to author Wayne Jordan for his vision for this series, and his creative contribution that transports us to that decade of change. I highly recommend Promise Me A Dream for your reading pleasure.

[Dorel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 3rd book I read by Wayne Jordan. I loved ❤ this book's storyline. I loved ❤ the facts in this story. I loved ❤ Chandra's character. I loved ❤ Joel's character. I loved ❤ the chemistry in this story. My heart broke 💔 for Joel. I loved ❤ the ending. Awesome job Mr. Jordan this was definitely worth the wait 😊.

[Cynthia Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Timeless

Chandra has a dream! Joel is living the life. The way that the Author weaves their pasts, to show us how it affects their current actions and decisions, is absolutely genius! I could feel the journey of every character in this book and relate to them personally! Awesome read!
#cillasbookmaniacs

[Beverly Dummett · Rating 5 out of 5]

No matter how far we come many things stay the same. This book brings the 60's back in focus and shows similaries to life today. Joel and Chandra are characters for every decade. Their story makes the reader relive the turbulent times. I felt anger, fear and even hope. Another great story from Wayne Jordan and I highly recommend this installment of the Decades series.

[Elena J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Promise Me A Dream is more than a love story it’s a testament to courage, conviction, and connection in a time when both hearts and histories were being rewritten.

Set against the turbulent backdrop of the 1960s Civil Rights era, Wayne Jordan delivers a sweeping, tender romance that pulses with truth and hope. Through the journey of Chandra Williams, a determined Barbadian actress chasing Broadway dreams, and Joel Donovan, a privileged man awakening to injustice through love, Jordan captures what it means to fight not only for a future but for each other.

The novel moves with cinematic rhythm from the hopeful glow of theater lights to the charged marches of a movement that sought to redefine America. Each page brims with longing, cultural pride, and moral awakening. Jordan’s prose doesn’t just tell a story; it bridges worlds immigrant and American, privilege and protest, love and liberation.

At its heart, Promise Me A Dream is about the transformative power of empathy how love can open eyes, heal divisions, and inspire courage in the face of inequality. This is historical romance with a heartbeat powerful, passionate, and profoundly human.

[Baje Bookclub - Dawn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating: 3.5

I liked this book; it was a short story in the A Journey of African American Romance series. There is a beautiful love story taking place at a time that was truly unforgettable for us especially as we are presently celebrating Black History month. As I read I felt love, passion, commitment, determination, anger, belief and support.

[Shae · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read!!

Although this novel is written as romantic fiction, the ties to real events that occurred in the 60s are well done.

Through this story, we realize how one is raised and events that happen in the past affect how a person views the world. Joel and Chandra had great chemistry and their characters were well developed.

Reasons I enjoyed this book:

Easy-to-read, Happily Ever After, Informative, Original, Page-turner, Romantic, Wonderful characters

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this series as I had been waiting for this book. I enjoyed the story it was really good. I’m not a fan of novellas or short stories because I feel cheated. I’m still waiting on the Dream.







#cillasbookmaniacs

[Michelle Styles · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely romantic read about the African American experience in the 1960s. Jordan's depiction of the era brought it wonderfully to life and allowed me to walk in the skins of the characters for a few hours. I understand he is working on a sequel and look forward to reading it.

[Nerissa Golden · Rating 2 out of 5]

Needed more development.

[Nana Prah · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story was set during a historically significant time that played a great role in the character’s lives. The romance was sweet and satisfying. An engaging read.